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FIGHTS AND 
ADVENTURES 



WITH THE INDIANS 



PRICE FIFTY CENTS 



THRILLING STORIES OF AN AMER- 
ICAN SCOUT ON THE WESTERN 
PLAINS IN THE OLD DAYS :-: :.: 



S^^ 



By H. E. LEWIS 
American Scout on the Frontier During the 70's 



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FIGHTS AND 
ADVENTURES 

WITH THE INDIANS 



THRILLING STORIES OF AN AMER- 
ICAN SCOUT ON THE WESTERN 

PLAINS IN THE OLD DAYS :-: •-: 

By H. E. LEWIS 



Copyright 1922 by 
H. E. LEWIS 
Rossville, Ga. 



PREFACE 
To My Readers : 

This book consists of my travels and my ex- 
periences as a scout, with Colonel Miles, from 
the year 1872 until 1874. It was during these 
years that the Indians were giving the govern- 
ment most trouble. 

I will also say that this book is absolutely the 
truth. It contains no fiction, but is a straight 
forward history of my adventures. 

I, as a scout, was associated with William 
(Buffalo Bill), and Amous Chapman. These 
you have no doubt read a great deal after. 

After I was wounded in my last fight, with 
the Indians in Kansas, I was sent to Arizona, 
where I continued in the government service for 
several years. This story I will publish at a fu- 
ture date, providing it is the Lord's will- 

Very truly yours, 
. H. E. LEWIS, 

.if Author. 







0)CI.A661731 m -3 1922 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 



CHAPTER I. 

In October, 1872, we were buffalo hunting 
in Kansas. Major Bittle, of Fort Lyons, sent out 
to our camp for a man that knew the country 
east of this fort. 

I went to Fort Lyons, and hired as a scout. 
"Now, Mr. Lewis," he said, "I want you to try 
and locate the Commanchee Indians, which are 
committing murder upon women and children. 
They are going northward." 

I accepted the job and was put in complete 
charge of a detachment of soldiers, which was 
Troop L, of the Sixth Cavalry. A graduate of 
West Point, Lieutenant, by the name of Ander- 
son, was our officer. 

We traveled all day before we struck the In- 
dian trail, which Jed to the north. We pitched 
camp for the night. 

The following day we came to where the In- 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

dians had camped the night before. We esti- 
mated the camp to have at least three hundred. 
After some discussion we pitched camp. 

While we were preparing supper, the boys 

told jokes and discussed the coming fight- Our 
Lieutenant, who seemed to be nervous over the 
prospects, when finding he was outnumbered by 
the "red devils," made it a point to express him- 
self, that he wished to return to the command 
Upon hearing this declaration from the com- 
manding officer, our first Sergeant, McCarty, 
advised the lieutenant that **he never turned 
back, especially when on hunt for Indians, as 
they were all good fellows when dead.'' 

After finding that the troop was determined 
to pursue the Indians to a finish, the lieutenant 
asked me where I thought the Indians might be 
found. I told him it was about sixteen miles to 
the next watering hole, and from the number of 
fires in the camp, that we would have to surprise 
them in order to whip them and save our own 
lives. 

We let our horses rest until ten o'clock that 
night, at which time we broke camp and trav- 
eled over the prairie and through occasional 
patches of woods until about four o'clock the fol- 
lowing morning. At this point I decided that 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

we were within about one mile of the Indian 
camp. I told the lieutenant to have six men 
mounted and ready for instant service, that I 
was going into the Indian camp and find the ex- 
act location of the horses, so that the horses 
might be stampeded and driven off; that if the 
Indians were able to reach their steeds we were 
whipped men. 

I scouted the camp and reported the position 
of the horses. The lieutenant sent out six men 
to stampede them. The men were only gone 
a few minutes when the orders were given to 
charge the Indians. When we were nearing the 
Indian camp our lieutenant expressed his desire 
that I lead the charge, stating that he was afraid 
of getting shot. To this I would have been de- 
lighted to have done but for the latter part of 
his sentence. I told him that he was in com- 
mand of the soldiers, and it was up to him. He 
then called the first sergeant and instructed him 
to lead the attack. 

The sergeant's orders were: "Empty your 
rifles, then take your revolvers and empty them, 
and if you haven't time to put them away, throw 
them at them, and draw your sabors; we will 
recover our revolvers later. Now go to it, boys." 

After the attack upon the Indian camp had 

— 5 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

been in progress for some few minutes, I was 
surprised to find the Indian chief coming in my 
direction upon his pony. It seemed that he was 
the only one that had left his horse in camp. 
This explains how he was able to mount when 
the herd of ponies had been stampeded. He kept 
coming my way until he was within fifty 
yards, when he began shooting at me, the first 
shot taking effect in my shoulder, and the second 
just under my arm. Not satisfied with this, he 
continued coming until he was within thirty 
yards, then he drew his spear, and I knew that 
I was gone unless I could drop him, so, taking 
my pistol, I rested it upon my left knee. I took 
deliberate aim. It was indeed gratifying to see 
my friend, the chief, dismount forever. 

I was more than repaid for waiting on the 
chief, for his buck hunting suit was at least 
worth $100. He had a fancy bridle with four 
silver dollars extended from the latch strap, 
and a fine pair of bits, inlaid with gold. Last, 
but not least, was the saddle, which was of a 
western type, and had suspended twenty-four 
silver dollars. This was the method in which 
he showed his wealth and authority over his 
tribe. 

After the excitement with the chief, I heard 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

crying and lamentation among the Indians. I 
crawled to my horse, which was a short distance 
away. Making several efforts, I was at last suc- 
cessful in mounting, and rode on to the camp 
in hopes that I might prevail upon the lieutenant 
to have mercy upon the squaws and papooses, 
which were being massacred by our enraged 
soldiers. 

After some time I found him crouching be- 
hind several lodge poles which the Indians had 
used in conveying their belongings to the camp. 
I called the lieutenant and asked if there could 
not be something done to prevent the drastic 
murder of the women and children. He replied, 
**Is the fight over?" I said, "The fight has been 
over for some while, but our men are murdering 
the squaws and their children." At this junc- 
ture, he called his first sergeant and instructed 
him to stop firing. The sergeant replied, "Just 
let them go, lieutenant, and make good Indians 
of them while we are here." 

After the battle we had several casuals, four 
men killed. While in the detachment sent out 
to stampede the horses, there was one killed and 
one wounded. The Indians were not so success- 
ful- They lost about two hundred. About half 
of these were women and children, while the 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

rest made their escape. 

Due to the fact that we had no medical aid, 
it became my duty to look after the casuals. 
After dressing the wounds, I instructed the lieu- 
tenant that we would return at once to our com- 
mand, that the wounded might have a chance 
of resting; also that they might have the best 
of food. 

Upon reaching camp. Colonel Bittle was very 
much elated over the outcome of the engage- 
ment, and our wonderful success, due to the fact 
that we were up against such heavy odds. 



CHAPTER 11. 

After some few days in camp with Colonel 
Bittle, my shoulder became so much improved 
that I felt like a new man. I asked the colonel 
one afternoon, *'How much longer would I have 
to lounge around the camp?" He told me that 
**things looked very peaceful at the present, but 
there w^as no telling how long it would remain 
in this state." 

However, I was delighted on the following 
morning when called to Colonel Battle's tent. 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 



and told that the Indians were giving a lot of 
trouble to the settlers and ranchers in Wichita, 
Kansas, and he had received a request for a 
number one scout, to be assigned to Troop A, of 
the Sixth cavalry, and asked if I would accept 
the appointment. 

And, of course, you can imagine how much I 
appreciated the fact that I would again be out 
of camp and into something lively. I realized 
the dangerous undertaking that I was about to 
engage in, and as there was not any houses be- 
tween Fort Lyons and Wichita, after a big din- 
ner with the boys, I saddled my horse and bid 
them good bye, started out over the plains for 
my new post. It was about three hundred miles 
to go direct to Wichita, but I was unable to carry 
supplies sufficient to make this trip, so it became 
necessary for me to go by the v^^ay of Fort Dodge 
for additional supplies. 

I was very fortunate, however, killing anti- 
lope, and one buffalo, this giving me plenty of 
meat, such as it was, and with the exceptional 
good luck until about the fifth day, I was only 
about sixty miles from Wichita, when I discov- 
ered that I was being followed by Indians. 

Some months before I had become acquainted 
with a wealthy Englishman, who was buffalo 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

hunting on the plains, and as he was leaving he 
presented me with a ''fifty caliber needle gun," 
which he had made for lion hunting, which he 
had used in South Africa. I felt very much at 
ease. 

As stated, I felt very much at ease, until I 
made the discovery of Indians following me, but, 
however, I had my needle gun, and on the fifth 
day they came close enough to shoot my horse 
from under me. I had some difficulty, but fin- 
ally cleared up accounts with my pursuers, being 
a number one shot, in five minutes of rapid fir- 
ing, I was able to proceed on my way. 

Having my horse shot made it necessary for 
me to complete the rest of my journy on foot. I 
arrived at Wichita, without any mishap, and re- 
ported to Captain Nesmith, who was a fine fel- 
low and soldier. The captain saw that I was 
well taken care of, and on the following morn- 
ing I was called into his office. After some lit- 
tle discussion of the trouble in that section of 
the country, we decided to start immediately 
in pursuit of the Indians, who were stealing 
horses and cattle from the ranchers and set- 
tlers. 

We first went to Minasquaw, and from there 
to Kansas City, but did not find anything of any 
consequence. We then scouted along the old 

—10— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

sage strip to Great Bend, a distance of about 
sixty miles, but not finding anything on this trip, 
we turned back to Wichita. 

Things were quiet enough until we arrived at 
Wichita. The night we arrived the sheriff shot 
two of our men, but they were not wounded se- 
riously. The day following the shooting we 
were ordered out of Wichita by the sheriff. 
After we had gone about eight miles, we pitcehd 
camp, but it became necessary to send a detach- 
ment of men back to the depot at Wichita for 
supplies, but our men had scarcely gotten out of 
camp when they were met by the sheriff and his 
men, and while driving our soldiers back to 
camp, one of our horses was shot. The captain 
gathered up our men upon learning of this out- 
rage, and followed up another detachment of 
men. When the first detachment appeared, the 
sheriff renewed his attack. At this juncture the 
second detachment appeared, which Captain 
Nesmith and I were with. We came upon the 
renegades and drove them into the bottoms, 
and I can safely say they were not treated so 
nicely. 

Following the trouble it was announced by 
our captain that we would leave this camp and 
also that section of country. This did only go- 
ing as far as Minasquaw. We again went into 
— 11 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

camp, also advising the citizens of Wichita of 
our location. It was some few days until any- 
thing of any consequence developed, but one 
afternoon we were alarmed on hearing the clat- 
ter of hoofs. 

After some few minutes, a horseman dashed 
up, without bridle, saddle, boots or hat. Upon 
being questioned by the captain, he informed 
us that the Indians had stolen about fifty head 
of horses, and were then only about two or three 
miles away. We immediately broke camp and 
followed the Indians all that night, and until the 
next day about ten o'clock. We had a slight en- 
gagement, and after some little trouble we drove 
them into a patch of timber. After this victory 
over our foes, we surrounded the timber and re- 
mained for three days. It so happened that 
they had insufficient supplies, and were starved 
out. We were very much surprised at the sur- 
render; who should come out but the sheriff of 
Wichita county, and his deputies. We made 
them prisoners, and upon searching the timber, 
we found their Indian garments. 

We had been in camp about a week, when 
one night one of the boys slipped up to the sher- 
iff and told him that he was to be executed the 
next morning. Shortly after twelve o'clock some 

—12— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

one released the cords that bound his arms and 
legs, enough that about twelve o'clock he re- 
leased himself, and started to make his escape, 
having passed the picket line about five yards, 
when the guard on that post fired upon him. It 
was orders that any prisoners escaping be shot. 
We notified the owners of these horses, who 
sent for them that day. We also sent our pris- 
oners to St. Louis, who later received a sentence 
of thirty years for rustling, which they had been 
participating in. This broke up our Indian trou- 
ble in this vicinity. 



CHAPTER III. 

We went into winter quarters, and were there 
something like six weeks. It was in the spring 
of 1873. Our Troop A, of the Sixth cavalry, was 
ordered to break camp and move to Buffalo City, 
on the Salt Line river, in the northwestern part 
of Kansas. I was called upon to accompany this 
troop as a scout. After our arrival at Buffalo 
City, we learned that the Indians had just paid 
the settlers a visit, burning the only wooden 
dwelling in the town. They also had some little 

—13— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

fight, wounding two or three of the citizens. It 
was said that the entire city would have been 
completely destroyed, but most of the buildings 
were dugouts. Upon finding the trail, I started 
out to locate the Indians. Our captain was with 
me. We continued our trip until we reached the 
southern part of Nebraska. Here we located 
our long sought reds. By some of their old In- 
dian methods they gave us the slip. We had to 
stop, as our supplies were running very low. We 
again started southward for Garnell Station for 
supplies, and also into summer camp. 

While sitting around the camp fire, we would 
tell jokes and play poker and other kinds of 
games. 

I will tell you of a little occurrence that hap- 
pened while in this camp. Four distinguished 
visitors came to pay their respects. Two of them 
were English ; a Yankee ; last, but not least, an 
Irish lord. Our two English guests were Captain 
Franklin Tolbert, and the other his first lieuten- 
ant, John Brown; the Yankee, by the name of 
Mr. Howard Watts, and the latter, the Irish lord, 
by the name of Frank Murphy. The four men 
called at our camp and asked the captain if he 
could let them have a man that knew something 
about buffalo hunting. Captain Nesmith in- 
formed them that he would be glad to let them 

—14— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

have his scout, provided that he could be per- 
suaded to go. So they came forward and asked 
me in regards to making this trip, which I agreed 
to do if I was paid for my services. 

After making all the necessary arrangements 
we bid the boys good bye and started for the 
buffalo range, which was about thirty miles 
from Garnell Station- The first afternoon after 
leaving camp, we came upon a bunch of buffa- 
lo, so we began to hunt for a nice camping 
ground. Having pitched our camp, the lieuten- 
ant was the first man to try his hand on big 
game. Taking his saddle horse and starting in 
the direction of the herd, the buffalo seeing him, 
started on a stampede in our direction. When 
the herd was within range of Lieutenant Brown, 
he had the pleasure of trying his marksmanship. 
Having nothing but a pistol, he emptied the 
contents into a nice fat one. The animal fell, so 
Mr. Brown came to the conclusion that he had 
killed him, so he dismounted and started for the 
buffalo. When within a few j^ards, the animal 
became very much alive, and springing to its 
feet, rushed at the lieutenant, who threw down 
his pistol, and falling across his pony, applied 
spurs and started for camp. Of course we hol- 
lowed for him to run, which we all can testify 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

that he did for about three or four hundred 
yards. He hearing nothing in pursuit, decided 
to look around, and to his surprise, the buffalo 
was dead at the beginning of the race. Of course 
Mr. Brown was dumfounded over the incident. 

Going into camp for the night, we prepared 
supper, and after eating a hearty meal, we set 
around the camp fire telling jokes, etc After a 
peaceful night, we packed our belongings and 
traveled over the plains. Occasionally we would 
kill a bird, but later in the afternoon we saw a 
bunch of buffalo grazing off to the south, so I 
went along until I was in range, and was suc- 
cessful in wounding two of the largest ones. 
After the buffalo had been wounded they 
started in our direction, also in the direction of 
our camp, but the best of it all was that Mr. 
Brown had noticed a bunch of ducks a short dis- 
tance away from the camp on a creek; he de- 
cided he would like some duck for supper. He 
hardly reached the creek banks when he was 
again startled by a wounded buffalo. 

Mr. Tolbert Murphy, were left in the camp, 
and hearing the firing, picked up their guns, and 
climbing to the top of the mound to see if they 
could discover the trouble. Looking south over 
the plains, they could see the buffalo running to- 

— 16— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

ward our friend Brown, but they had to pass 
near enough to them that they killed them, but 
before they were killed Brown had discovered 
they were coming toward him. Throwing down 
his gun, he climbed a willow tree. Tolbert and 
Murphy, seeing this, called to him to climb 
higher. This they need not have done, for he 
was still climbing, nearing the top of the tree. 
The branches were very tender, and climbing 
out on one of these, it snapped off, and he fell 
into the cheek. Mr. Tolbert was so delighted 
over his first buffalo that he had it sent to Den- 
ver and mounted. This one weighed about two 
thousand pounds, the largest one I ever saw. 
His horns measured four inches, this equaling 
twelve inches around. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Later on in the afternoon, I went out and lo- 
cated a herd of buffalo, and the first one killed 
had a bunch of arrows in his back. Taking my 
buffalo into camp, we took things easy until 
about sundown. After supper the lieutenant 
and I took a walk to smoke our pipes, and also 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

to look after the scenery. While walking, the 
lieutenant came upon a hole. He said, "In case 
we should get into trouble, this would be a good 
place for protection." Just before retiring that 
night, I told the boys that if we wanted to live 
and do well and keep our scalps we had better 
stand guard. Everything went along all right 
until the moon came up, and with it came a 
bunch of wild horses. I could not see very clear- 
ly, but from the maneuvers it looked as if they 
were Indians- After the boys had reached their 
guns and ready for action, we discovered that 
it was only a herd of wild horses, but during this 
time we had paid no attention to the lieutenant, 
and looking around, we missed him. After some 
little time the lieutenant called and asked if the 
Indians were gone. When told that they were, 
he said, 'Tlease help me out of this hole." 

On another occasion I wounded a young buf- 
falo, but shooting it in the neck ( Mr. Brown was 
with our wagon), and coming up to where the 
buffalo was, I told him it would be better for 
him to remain further back, but he stated that 
there was no harm in a poor little calf. After 
reaching the spot, he stepped out on the brake 
of the wagon, and shaking his foot at the calf, 
hardly had he begun until the buffalo made at 

—18— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

him. But luck was with our friend, for the 
buffalo made a wide miss, hitting his horns 
against the brake. This upset Brown, and he 
fell on the buffalo's hips. Of course, Brown be- 
came frightened upon being upset, and started 
to run up the hill. We assisted him along by 
calling to him to run, that the buffalo would 
soon catch him. After some few hundred yards 
he looked around to see what kind of progress 
he was making, but only to see us boys skinning 
the animal. He came back shrugging his shoul- 
ders with a sickening grin upon his face, and 
made the remark that he had had all the experi- 
ence with the buffalo that he wanted; that he 
had been in the wilds of Africa, and had been 
on several lion hunts, but the buffalo had his 
goat. 

Upon the persuading of Brown, we broke 
camp and returned to the company at Garnell 
Station. The boys did not stay with us long, 
taking their departure for their homes, but they 
were all overjoyed with the experience with the 
buffalo, with the exception of Lieutenant 
Brown. 

Things passed easy until the afternoon of 
October 3, 1873, when we had a tremendous 
storm. It was about four o'clock. One of the 

— 19— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

boys discovered a cloud in the north. He came 
up and told us, **Boys, we are going to have a 
real old fashioned blizzard." In about thirty 
minutes the wind started blowing and blew for 
some twenty minutes before the storm came- 
When it arrived it took everything movable. The 
results were, after it had been in progress for 
five or ten minutes, our tents, wagons, blankets, 
and everything that wasn't wrapped around the 
boys, even to our food supplies, was lost. 

It was about noon of the next day, October 4, 
before we got all of our men together, the sands 
leaving the skys so heavy that they could not 
find their way back to camp, and the snow would 
have averaged about one foot in depth. 

Due to the fact that we had lost our equip- 
ment, it was necessary for us to break camp and 
start for our winter quarters, at Fort Wallace, 
and also we had to draw supplies and equip- 
ments. We reached the fort in due time, and 
found everything very quiet, and it remained 
this way for about three weeks, but about this 
time we were ordered to leave the fort imme- 
diately and proceed to Great Bend, on the Kan- 
sas Pacific, to try and apprehend some three or 
four hundred Indians that were on the war path. 
Upon our arrival at Great Bend we were 

—20— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

told of "Home Guard of Denver," all of v^hom 
had served their time in the city, and they were 
all very ''brave boys." They had reached Great 
Bend the night before, and after leaving the 
train, they vv^ere surprised to find the Indians a 
fev^ hundred yards away. After some prepara- 
tions for an encounter, the Indian chief sent one 
of his warriors to the captain of the Home 
Guard, saying, 'If you want to fight, come over." 
This our brave comrade declined to do, but in- 
stead obtained transportation for Denver, and 
started back the same day they arrived. We 
were not so fortunate as the Home Guards were, 
we did not arrive at Great Bend until the follow- 
ing day after the Indians had departed. On our 
arrival we learned that the Indians had left 
about twelve hours before, and were taking 
everything with them. 

Mr. William Thomas, a cattle rancher, of 
Great Bend, informed us that the Indians had 
camped around his ranch house the night before 
our arrival, and that they had driven up several 
of his finest cattle and killed them in front of 
his house, but they were helpless and could do 
nothing to help themselves. When ready to 
leave, they gathered all available beeves and 
drove them off with the rest of their stolen prop- 
erty. 

—21 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

We had been in the saddle for about twenty- 
two hours before reaching Great Bend, and in- 
formed Lieutenant that if he expected to over- 
take the reds it would be necessary for us to 
start immediately upon the trail, which led in 
the direction of Indian Territory, and once there 
we could go no further. Upon informing him 
that the territory was only about a hundred and 
thirty miles away, he called his men together 
and instructed them to discard all of their bed- 
ding supplies and surplus clothing and not to 
carry anything but provisions, as we were going 
to be on a forced march until the Indians were 
overtaken. All was discarded and we again 
started in pursuit of the red deamons. 

We at last came in sight of the Indians, within 
about twenty miles of the territory, but when 
they saw us coming they knew that they were 
about to have a fight, but instead of turning on 
us, they made all haste forward. 

It was lucky for them that they had traveled 
some at night as well as ourselves, for we did not 
overtake them until they were within about 
three miles of the border. The squaws and 
pappooses were all sent on ahead of the main 
body, the warriors remaining in the rear for a 
guard. At all points they were moving into the 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

territory. Of course we had a running fight for 
about three miles, killing some ten or twelve of 
the Indians, and capturing several ponies and 
a number of cattle that had been stampeded 
when the firing took place. 

Just after the Indians had crossed the border 
of Colorado, into the Indian Territory, we were 
met by Captain Madden, in command of Troop 
L, of the Sixth cavalry. He stated that they had 
been sent in company with another scout in 
hopes of cutting the Indians off before they 
reached the reservation, and in case our Troop 
A, of the Sixth cavalry, did not succeed in catch- 
ing them- 

After some little time the scout from Troop 
L, and myself, came to the conclusion that it 
would be best for both troops to return imme- 
diately to Fort Lyons, and there was nothing 
further for us there. 



CHAPTER V. 

We pitched camp about five miles from the 
border, there finding water. This was done in 
order to give the tired ponies and men a rest, and 
also to recuperate. As we had been in the sad- 

—23 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

die for almost a week, the men were enjoying 
the blessings of rest, but not for long. The scout 
from Troop L and myself made a little scouting 
tour of the country. It was something like nine 
o'clock when he said: "Lewis, have you noticed 
how dark and cold it is getting?" I said: **I 
have just been thinking of the prospects for a 
blizzard." Then he and I went over our fight- 
ing experiences until we reached the camp. 
I lay down to rest after seeing that a strict 

guard was kept for the night. About four o'clock 
the next morning I was awakened with a big, 
fat chill up my back. After getting up and 
jumping around to get up a circulation, I saw 
that we were being overtaken by a blizzard. We 
aroused our men and after a cold breakfast we 
started out so that we might keep warm, being 
short of clothing and supplies. We found quite 
an inconvenience in returning to Fort Lyons, but 
after we had been out some few days our pro- 
visions were gone, and it became my duty as a 
scout to bring in some fresh meat. Clint Walker, 
the scout from the other troop, set out for the 
buffalo range. We were very fortunate, how- 
ever, in finding plenty of game, and when we 
reached our destination we had a nice surplus. 

It might be of some interest that we state here 

—24— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

why we did not follow the Indians into the reser- 
vation, but it was due to the fact that General 
Sherman was elected to congress, and that a 
law was passed that the agencies which were 
handling the Indian proposition at that time 
were ministers of the Gospel. At the action of 
congress, army officers were put in their places. 
After the agents at Washington saw what the 
outcome was going to be they induced their 
tribes to go on the war path. In so doing they 
had hopes of regaining their former positions. 
At the same time a law was passed that these 
positions be filled with army officers, there was 
also a law passed to the effect that soldiers were 
molesting any Indians upon the reservations, or 
if they were being pursued, they would discon- 
tinue such when they reached the border- Un- 
til the new law became effective, which was in 
1874, we had to remain on the premises as above 
explained. 

I will not trouble you with part of my story, 
or history, as you are already acquainted with 
Washington and the doings of congress. 

After our arrival at Fort Lyons, we rested 
there for some four or five days, and then our 
company again set out, on our return trip to Fort 
Wallace. Of course I was picked as scout or 

—25— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

guide, for the return trip. After about four or 
five days v^e reached Fort Wallace without any 
trouble. The only sport we had w^as killing buf- 
falo and antilope, this being our meat. 



CHAPTER VI. 

After our arrival at Fort Wallace we went 
into winter quarters. Things went quiet enough 
for some few weeks after our arrival in winter 
quarters, until one afternoon I was out buffalo 
hunting and was riding along on my horse, when 
it became frightened, and this taking me by sur- 
prise, I became entangled in the stirrup. I tried 
to free myself from the saddle, but all in vain. 
After finding this to be a fruitless task, I en- 
deavored to get my steed stopped, but this 
proved to be of no avail. As my horse speeded 
on over the plain, I was sure of out fate. After 
some little distance the horse stepped in a prai- 
rie dog hole. In the fall my chest became in- 
jured so badly that I was laid up for some three 
or four months. 

I counted the days until I could be out again 
on the go. After some four months our doctor 

—26— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

told me I might take my leave if I would take 
care of myself for about another month, and if 
I took good care of myself I would soon be all 
right. 

One afternoon while I was sitting around the 
camp at Fort Wallace, waiting for my chest to 
become stronger, we heard firing in the west. 
Naturally, we all grabbed our guns and made 
ready for instant action if anything should turn 
up. After a little while we saw a man running 
in our direction. Every once in a while we could 
see him drop to his knee and hear the report of 
a rifle. Each time we could see a pursuer drop 
to the ground. As soon as we could get a de- 
tachment ready to aid, they were sent to his res- 
cue. Much to our surprise upon the return of 
the aid party, who should it be but our old 
friend scout, Buffalo Bill. "They were getting 
very close to you, were they not. Bill?" I asked. 

*'Well, hello, Lewis, glad to see you," was his 
first regards. Then he told us that he had left 
Fort Hays some few days before with a dispatch 
for Fort Wallace; that after he had been out 
for a day and night, that fifteen Indians were 
sent by a tribe where he was passing to kill him. 
However, upon his arrival at Fort Wallace, there 
were only four survivors. After supper Buffalo 
Bill and I had a little chat. At this time Bill 

— 27 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

showed me several bullet holes in his clothing, 
where the Indians had been using him as a tar- 
get. But luckily, not a bullet had touched his 
skin. 

We enjoyed the afternoon very much, talking 
of the different kinds of Indians, and of their 
modes of fighting and of their treatment of the 
whites; and of the narrow escapes we had had 
while fighting them. We were up smoking until 
late. After breakfast on the following morning, 
Buffalo Bill, getting him another horse, bid us 
good bye and started for Fort Lyons with a dis- 
patch. I did not see him again for about three 
years. 



CHAPTER VII. 

It was on the 15th of July, 1874, that Buffalo 
Bill had paid us the visit. I was improving 
steadily and growing stronger all the while. 
Things continued quiet until about the 10th of 
August, 1874, the following month. It was on 
the morning of the 10th that I was called to 
headquarters and asked if I had gained enough 
strength to go on a scouting trip. To this I re- 

—28— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

plied : *1 am feeling bully." Then it was that I 
was informed that my services were needed bad- 
ly as a scout, and ordered me to leave at once 
for Fort Dodge, and report to Colonel Miles. 

It was something like sixty miles from Fort 
Wallace to Fort Dodge. This distance had to be 
made over the prairie and through the center of 
the Indian country, where uprisings and killings 
were taking place to some unfortunate one who 
had to pass that way. I saddled my pony and 
started out toward the east for my new assign- 
ment. I was of the opinion it would take me 
fully two days, the way I would have to go 
around, and dodging the different troubled sec- 
tions. 

This I was lucky in doing, but on the morning 
of the 12th I was sighted by ten or twelve In- 
dians, of Commanchee. I had some little trouble 
getting into a wooded strip of timber, but finally 
getting into it, the fun began. I was able to dis- 
mount some three or four; in fact, I was firing 
so rapidly I did not have time to notch my gun 
stock. Any way, they discovered that they were 
outclassed, and started circling the timber, at 
some points shooting into the air and brandish- 
ing their weapons as they went. 

While I had them engaged in this manner, I 

—29— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

slipped out of the timber and made my way on, 
the nearest of the shots passing my hat brim. 
Night came on me in the wilds of the forest, and 
knowing it would be impossible for me to have a 
light, I ate a cold lunch, and locking my legs 
around my tired pony's neck, I dropped my body 
over the back of the saddle, upon the pony's 
hips, for my sleep. It must have been about two 
in the morning that my horse gave a snort and 
jumped forward, also throwing me from his 
back, then starting out in a long trot. I had 
hardly gotten straight when I heard a tremen- 
dous shriek from a panther. I thanked myself 
for the information that it was a panther, and 
not a Commanchee. 

After being disturbed of my sleep, I decided 
that I would start out on my journey. It was 
something like 10:30 a.m- the morning of the 
13th that I reached Fort Dodge. Upon arriving 
at the fort, I immediately reported to Colonel 
Miles for duty. Upon seeing me he smiled in a 
knowing way and said, **You are the very man 
I was looking for, we wall start on the trail of the 
Commanchees on the 15th. So he advised me 
that the expeditionary forces were to subdue the 
Indians, or kill them ail, that he did not give a 
d — n which. 

—30— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

After supper we drew up some sketches, as to 
our plans and also made notations of things that 
we would need on this tour. So the following 
day that we could get these things and be pre- 
pared to start on our journey on the morning of 
the fifteenth. 



CHAPTER VOL 

The sun came up very hot ; we started on our 
way to the south, leaving civilization, not know- 
ing just where we were going. 

We had four companies of infantry, most of 
the men good healthy fellows, but we had only. 
a small water supply, and as the afternoon wore 
on the boys began to weaken under the trials of 
the blazing sun, and of the scorching sands be- 
neath their feet. All water supplies were soon 
gone and the men actually scratched their ow^n 
arms in order to secure blood to drink. We con- 
tinued on until we reached a buffalo watering 
hole, which was something like twenty-five miles 
from Fort Dodge. Unloading our wagons of 
food supplies, we sent them back along the road 
with water to pick up the poor fellows that had 
fallen out of ranks. 

—81— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

It took practically all the day of the sixteenth 
to get our men into camp, and let them rest up. 
So we remained in camp at the wallow until 
about 2 :30 p.m. of the next day. Breaking camp 
we started on to the south, for there I knew there 
was a big spring something like ten miles, and 
that we could get there before night 

After we had reached the spring and pitched 
our camp, Colonel Miles told me that this was 
the section that was affected by the Indians, and 
that he thought it would be a good idea for 
Amos Champan and myself to do a little scout- 
ing. So Amous and myself, we old chums, sad- 
dling our ponies, started for a ride around the 
camp and made an inspection of the country, 
and at the same time to see if there were any 
prospects of any trouble for that night. After 
we had gone something like two-thirds of the 
way around the camp, and about a mile out, we 
discovered three Indians heading for our camp. 
"Well, Amous, what do you make of that?** I 
asked. **It seems to me that we are going to 
have trouble with some of the coyotes,'* he an- 
swered. 

Getting our rifles in readiness, we started 
down on the intruders, but we reached camp too 
late. 

—32 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

Just about the time we were leaving camp for 
the scouting trip, the two Mario brothers, who 
were teamsters, had their fishing tackles for a 
little fishing trip in the big spring. They had 
been gone only about forty-five minutes when 
the three Indians sighted them. The Indians 
crawled up the spring branch until they were 
able to surprise the boys. Marvin was on one 
side and Steve on the other. As Marvin was en- 
gaged in nibbles, Steve had all the spectacle. 
Steve was on the side where the Indians were 
coming in, so they were able to surprise the poor 
fellow. The first he knew of the attack was 
only an instant before he was killed, for they 
had crawled in snake fashion till they were 
within arms reach, and struck him with a toma- 
hawk from behind. 

As Steve fell to the ground, Marvin, quietly 
withdrawing from the scene of his brother's as- 
sassination, made his way into camp. Upon 
reaching the camp he reported the trouble, and 
a search was started immediately for the red- 
bellied devils. When Amous and I reached 
camp everything was in a panic, and excitement 
was running high. We joined in the hunt for 
the murderers, but some way they got into the 
brush and made their escape into large timber. 

—33— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

Our command buried Steve with military- 
honors that afternoon. The next morning we 
were on the move again. Just before we reached 
Camp Supply, which was located in the Indian 
Territory, I was given a dispatch from Fort 
Dodge, by Colonel Miles, with instructions that 
I make all possible haste with this message. 
When I came upon the camping grounds I took 
a drink from the spring, allowed my pony to 
drink, then set out for Fort Dodge. I made the 
trip without any occurence worth mention. Upon 
delivering the message, I received a return mes- 
sage for Colonel Miles ; so I set out again on my 
return trip. 

Upon my arrival at the spring, I found that 
the Indians had visited the place and that 
Steve's body had been dug up and completely 
mutilated. After leaving the grave and going 
on to the south some few miles, I was again con- 
fronted by a couple of Indian braves. It was up 
to the old scout. Getting in behind a clump of 
bushes, we had it out, shot for shot, but being a 
dead shot, they did not detain me long. 

I again found myself well on the way to Camp 
Supply, and upon arriving, I delivered my mes- 
sage and turned in for rest and sleep, but before 
retiring I reported the matter with reference to 

—34— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

poor Steve. Colonel Lewis, commanding officer 
of Camp Supply, sent out. a detachment of sol- 
diers to rebury our companion. 

We received a full supply of equipment for 
our men; also Colonel Bittle joined us with 
eight troops of the Sixth cavalry. After receiv- 
ing full supplies, we started out with about one 
thousand men, including artillerymen and gat- 
tling gunmen. Things were very nice for the 
first four or five days, but on the 29th of August 
as we were nearing the river, I found an Indian 
trail which led toward the river. Colonel Miles 
called a halt and told us to pitch camp. That 
night Amous Chapman and myself started for a 
scouting trip. We were very fortunate to find 
the Indian camp about eleven o'clock.. We im- 
mediately returned to camp and reported to 
Colonel Miles that we had discovered the In- 
dian camp about fifteen miles further on. Col- 
onel Miles gave orders that we break camp and 
be off at once. It was then about 2 a.m. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Things being in readiness for the start, Colonel 



—35— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

Miles, who was in command, gave orders for the 
infantry to bring up the rear, and to escort the 
wagons and guard the supplies, while the cav- 
alry was to go in advance to the Indian camp 
and open up the battle. I being the chief scout, 
took my position in advance of the troopers. We 
continued our march until something like 8 
o'clock on this fateful morning, when I discov- 
ered two horses far in our advance- I turned 
back to report this to Lieutenant Henig, who 
was in command of Troop A of the Sixth cav- 
alry. 

Colonel Miles, who was in command of these 
expeditionary forces, gave orders that we go 
into battle with the reds without further delay. 
I again started in advance, but this time, to 
avoid a surprise, I took with me what is known 
as the right and left guard, or advance guard. 
We were riding about 500 yards in advance, 
when I came in sight of the two ponies again, 
but this time the riders could not be seen upon 
them, but upon close observation I could see 
that they were leaning on the opposite side. So 
we stopped and waited until Lieutenant Henig- 
came up. He asked, ''What are you stopping 
for, Lewis, there isn't any danger; those are 
wild horses." I replied, 'Trobably they are, but 
wait until the horses turn around and see the 

—36— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

Indians change sides." 

At this instant we discovered that what I had 
said was true. The Indians turned sharply to 
the right and went around a hill. They had 
been gone only about five minutes when about 
twelve hundred started circling us from the 
south. When they started firing on us they were 
about one-half a mile aw^ay. Lieutenant Henig 
sent his orderly back to the command, stating 
that the fight was on, and that about twelve 
hundred Indians were firing upon us. We im- 
mediately dismounted and formed what is 
known as a hollow square, and started firing. It 
was something like thirty minutes before Colonel 
Miles reached us. When he reached us with 
Colonel Bittle's cavalry, they came up on the 
outside of our troops. This made us strong 
enough that we could charge the hill on which 
the Indians were located. 

The charge began at once. The Indians w^ere 
forced to retreat, this time taking refuge in a 
timbered strip. We then surrounded them and 
waited until the artillery came up. We then fell 
back for some distance, and the cannon started 
firing in this strip. This was too much for the 
Indians, as they later told us that their chief did 
not approve of guns that shot twice. If it had 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

not been for these we would have been up 
against it; as it was we had a running fight all 
day. 

In a wooded strip on our left, the Indians, 
about three hundred in number, had taken up 
a position and were making it hot for the boys 
in Troop A. We knew that it would be useless 
to charge them as it was, but instead, we rushed 
the gattling gun company to this position. The 
Indians were coming down upon the gattling 
gun corps, when orders were given to fire. The 
rapid firing was more than our foes could stand. 
They scattered in every direction, or that is, 
what was left of them, there only being a single 
line of horses left of the advancing ones. This, 
of course, scattered our men over a territory 
equal to that of our foes. We soon found things 
in almost as bad a panic as that of the red men. 



CHAPTER X. 

Troop L, being on our right. Colonel Miles, 
Colonel Bittle, Captain Anderson, Amous Chap- 
and and myself, went over to where they were 
fighting. The boys of Troop L were sure putting 

—38— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

up some hard fight- Just to the right of Troop 
L, Troop M was also putting up a hard fight. 
Colonel Miles, viewing the encounter from 
where we were, gave orders that the artilery be 
turned to the aid of Troop M. After this had 
been done the company made a brilliant charge 
and routed their foes. 

The Indians were becoming scattered all over 
the surrounding territory, and locating our sup- 
ply wagons, the chief sent out some runners to 
gather up as many men as possible. This they 
did, but were again routed on account of there 
being more infantrymen than they had antici- 
pated. The infantrymen were all good shots, so 
the Indians did not stand a show. 

One of our men who was sent to the supply 
wagons came in hurriedly and reported the fight 
which the Indians were putting up with the in- 
fantrymen, so due to the fact that the ground 
was becoming so rough and hilly. Colonel Miles 
ordered the artillery to go back to the aid of the 
infantrymen, as the Indians were getting to- 
gether between us and the wagon supply. This 
was done and we continued on our way in pur- 
suit of the Indians that we had on the run, leav- 
ing the infantrymen behind to take care of their 
own troubles. 

— 39 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

We continued on the run and fighting at in- 
tervals until about three o'clock in the afternoon. 
We located about two hundred Indians con- 
cealed on a bluff, and in a very rough place. 
Colonel Miles gave orders that Troop L would 
charge the bluff, which they did, making a dar- 
ing charge in the face of the foes. We were 
greatly handicapped in climbing the bluff, but 
this we did. The Indians did not fight back, but 
filed on the cliff in our advance. 

The ground was so rough as we ascended the 
hill that it became necessary for us to dismount 
and advance on foot. Colonel Miles, Colonel 
Bittle, Captain Anderson, Chapman and myself 
turned our mounts over to the horse holder, who 
was leading them around the smoothest part of 
the hill. A^ our party advanced up the hill, the 
first sergeant of Troop L, who was just in front 
of me, was shot, the ball taking effect in his 
knee. 

I noticed the smoke from the Indian's rifle. I 
switched my gun to the left and fired as quickly 
as possible. It was indeed gratifying to see Mr. 
Indian come rolling from under the bluff. When 
I got to where the horses were I thought I would 
ride over to see if he was dead. I was soon over- 
taken by Colonel Miles' adjutant, Captain An- 

—40— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

derson. When we arrived at the carcus of the 
Indian I took charge of his moccasins and buck 
skin coat. Captain Anderson asked me, "Are 
you not going to take his pants." *'No," I re- 
turned, ''those things are too bloody, don't you 
see the bullet hole in his hip?" He returned, 
*'Yes, but what difference will the blood make?" 
"You may have them, for I sure do not care for 
them," I said. 

He then took the pants from the Indian, and 
after mounting I told him to wait a minute. I 
turned and dismounted and scalped the Indian, 
then remounting, we started back to Colonel 
Miles' field headquarters. After we had been 
en route for a few minutes Captain Anderson 
said, "Lewis, I will give you fifty dollars for that 
scalp." As Captain Anderson had quite a great 
deal of influence with the scouts, I thought it 
might prove to be fortunate for me to humor 
him. I said, "If you really want this scalp you 
are welcome to it, Captain." Taking the bloody 
scalp and hanging it on a hook in his belt, w^e 
proceeded. We found nothing in our way until 
we reached Colonel Miles' headquarters. 

We had a little scirmishing all the afternoon, 
but nothing important with our detachment. But 
we could hear firing all that afternoon and night. 
That afternoon, August thirteenth, after we 
had rested awhile, we moved to the north end 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

of the Stake Plains, placing one troop of men 
every half mile. This v^as done in order that 
the Indians could not surround us. I being with 
Troop L, was stationed at the last camp. All be- 
ing tired, hungry and thirsty, we stopped for a 
few minutes' rest, Colonel Miles lamenting to us 
as to what we were to do. I came forward and 
told him that it would be necessary for Amous 
and myself to find water. After about three or 
four hours we found water, about ten miles from 
Colonel Miles' headquarters. Upon locating the 
water we returned to headquarters and reported 
same. The colonel gave orders to bring what 
men there was with us to the creek from the 
plains. 

After camp had been pitched and guards 
placed, Colonel Bittle, seeing me pass his tent, 
called me into the presence of Colonel Miles and 
himself and asked, ''Mr. Lewis, did you see Cap- 
tain Anderson kill an Indian today?" I an- 
swered, ''Colonel Bittle, if I should see you kill 
a man I would hate to tell it." After saying this 
I went to my tent and laid down without food. 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

CHAPTER XI. 

About four o'clock the following morning, 
which was the 31st of August, Amous and my- 
self set out in search of wagons. After going 
some five or six miles we found Troop A in camp 
at the creek. We immediately went back to 
Colonel Miles, and reported this fact. Colonel 
Miles gave orders for our company to move to 

the location of Troop A immediately. 

At this time scouts were sent out over the 
country, that we might gather our scattered 
men. While Amous and myself again set out in 
search of the wagons. It was about 11:30 the 
same day that we sighted it about a mile away, 
but as we were descending a little slope, two 
rifles sounded off to our right. Our horses fell 
instantly to the ground. Then it became neces- 
sary for us to fight or run. Making breast works 
of our dead ponies, until we saw they were go- 
ing to divide up, we succeeded in dropping a 
few of them. Upon seeing that they were only 
our targets, they decided it would be better to 
circle, which they started doing. 

Amous said, "Lewis, it is up to us to get the 
wagon train or else." Friend, you cannot real- 
ize how the word else made me feel- We started 
on a run, firing as we went. I am sure if it had 

—43— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

not been for the strong guard that was sent to 
our rescue, we would have perished. Being pur- 
sued by the reds, we kept on until we were met 
by our rescuers. 

We were so hungry we could hardly wait un- 
til we reached headquarters. They could not 
give us anything but hard tack to nibble on 
while we were en route to camp. We arrived at 
camp about 5 :30 that afternoon. The boys were 
sure glad to see us, for they knew that it meant 
a square meal. 

After eating a square meal. Colonel Miles is- 
sued orders that we would break camp imme- 
diately, taking the artillery, wagon train and all 
of our supplies and go to Stake Plains. This 
order was carried out at once. After we arrived 
on the plains, and had pitched camp, we were 
instructed to return to the creek and fill all 
water barrels and everything that would hold 
water. 

It was about 11 o'clock when we completed 
this job. We lay down for a little rest, and at 
4 o'clock on the morning of September 1, we 
were awakened by a bugle, with the old familiar 
call, ''Boots and Saddles." We broke camp 
without breakfast and traveled south over Stake 
Plains, on the Indian trail, which looked as if 

—44 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

there were about one thousand. 

We followed this trail up the ascent until 
noon. We finally came upon what looked to be 
a level prairie, but best of it all was that we 
found a spring of the best water I ever drank. 
We at once went into camp for our noonday 
meal, and also to allow our horses to rest. This 
we did for some time, and again we started 
south, in pursuit of the reds. 

Due to the fact that our horses had been put 
through a severe test for the past week, they 
were giving out every little while. Of course, 
when the animals start to tiring under a supreme 
test, they go down very suddenly. The boys 
were taking care of them as best they could, 
while some of the troopers were forced to walk 
along with the infantry. 



CHAPTER XII. 

After breaking camp at the spring that after- 
noon we continued on our way in pursuit of the 
Indians, our small wagon train following in the 
rear. We covered about fourteen miles that aft- 
ernoon, and pitched camp for the night. 

The night passed without anything happen- 

— 4 5— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

ing of any importance. So on the morning of 
September 2, we again headed south. We 
traveled all morning without seeing an Indian, 
but sighted them about 3 o'clock in the after- 
noon. They were about three miles in our ad- 
vance. 

On account of not having any rain in this sec- 
tion of the country for the past three years, the 
earth had cracked open. These openings gave 
the Indians a great chance to get in cover from 
us. So Colonel Miles called a halt. And after 
a consultation between Colonel Bittle and him- 
self, they decided that on account of our small 
supply of food and the condition of our horses, 
we had better start back north. 

Then they gave us orders to start north im- 
mediately. This was on the third of September, 
and after we had traveled a few miles we again 
went into camp. 

The next morning we continued on our way, 
only being disturbed occasionally by a stray bul- 
let or a pack of wolves. Later the same day we 
arrived at the spring, which we were glad to see 
on account of it being water, and also a good 
resting place. After arriving and pitching camp 
we discovered that we had lost about seventy- 
five head of horses. 

After resting at the spring for about two or 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

three days, we became uneasy as to the where- 
abouts of our main supply train. This 
was to have left Camp Supply on the fourth day 
after our departure. Colonel Miles stated thaf 
Colonel Lewis had given him positive assurance 
that he would start them. 

As we were running short of supplies, it was 
decided that we had better break camp and pro- 
ceed from the plains into the valley, and camp 
along the creek. 

This we did, and camping at the creek for 
some few days, our supplies were finally ex- 
hausted. So we loaded up a supply of water 
and started back in search of the small supply 
train. It looked very blue for us, as we had 
notTiing to eat but horse meat, wild acorns and 
wild grapes. When running into a patch either 
of grapes or berries, we would dismount and eat 
everything in sight. We continued in this man- 
ner for about six days. 

After being out of supplies for about six days 
Colonel Miles sent out two soldiers, in order to 
locate this wagon train, they being mounted on 
the very best horses we had. We kept on the 
march following up these men as fast as pos- 
sible, and this was slow enough. Things were 
quiet enough as far as fighting was concerned. 

But every now and then, while searching for 

—47— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

wild foods, the Indians would do a little sniping, 
or catching a man out by himself, would spear 
him. This was due to the fact that men wher 
dismounted would usually leave their guns on 
their mounts. But this mistake cost several men 
their lives. 

After several men had been killed in this way, 
Colonel Bittle posted a general bulletin that men 
must wear their side arms. Here I will tell you 
of the first man not obeying the general bulletin 
of Colonel Bittle. We were resting on the bank 
of the creek, when the colonel came up and 
wanted to know if we were successful in locat- 
ing any wild grapes. About this time Trooper 
Thompson arose to get a drink of water. Colonel 
Bittle discovered that he had not complied with 
the Bulletin as to the side arms. He called to 
me and said: ''Lewis, let me have your gun- I 
am going to shoot that fellow standing there, 
because we had better kill him or the Indians 
will." After fooling around, Thompson got be- 
tween the colonel and the camp. The colonel 
grabbed a bush and started for Thompson. It 
was a funny race that took place, and after a 
few minutes Thompson came back with his side 
arms and also his rifle. ''Now Lewis*, you had 
better not molest Thompson; he is armed and 
can protect himself," the colonel said. "Yes, he 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

spoke up, "I will shoot you, you d — d old devil. 
Two days after the departure of our two sol- 
diers, who had started to find the wagon train, 
not hearing from them. Colonel Miles sent out 
a detachment of about thirty troopers, while we 
went into permanent quarters to await the ar- 
rival of supplies. The detachment started, but 
were driven back, due to the fact that the In- 
dians were trying to decoy them and were wait- 
ing for reinforcements. 

On the ninth of September, 1874, Colonel 
Miles called me and explained that he had ex- 
hausted all government efforts, and that we 
were doomed to starvation unless something 
was done. He also stated that he was turning 
the situation entirely over to me. This was done 
very often by commanding officers, as a scout 
outranked them. 

I told the colonel it would be first degree mur- 
der for me to leave camp alone. I sought my 
old chum, Amous Chapman, and we decided it 
would be best for us to get in touch with the 
supply train, as we could not live much longer 
on grapes. We selected two troopers, their 
names being Roth and Smithey. Things being 
in readiness, the four of us left camp and trav- 
eled all afternoon and until about 2 o'clock in 
the morning of the tenth. It w^as then that we 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

stopped to let our horses graze and rest. While 
the horses were resting we were hulling acorns 
and broiling our horse meat over a fire. Just as 
we were fixing to eat our meal, who should come 
along but Mr. Skunk, or better known as a pole 
cat. I told Amous that there was a nice piece of 
meat, so whipping out my revolver, I fired- I 
thought that I would kill the cat so quickly that 
it would not smell, but it did. Now you may 
think this cat wasn't good, but it was far better 
than horse meat. 

While sitting around the fire eating. Smithy 
said, ''Mr. Lewis, I wish that you had picked 
some one else for this trip, as there has been a 
Smithy killed every day since we have been out 
on this expedition, and as I am the last one of 
that name, I will be next. We laughed at his 
fears and told him that he was as safe as we 
were. 

We left camp on the morning of the tenth. On 
our second day's journey, it was just as day was 
breaking, we saddled our horses and started out. 
We continued on our way until about 10 o'clock 
without seeing an Indian, when Amous stopped 
and said: "Do you see those antilopes moving 
to that herd ? " "Yes," I said, "I was just watch- 
ing those things when you mentioned it. But I 
don't see but two legs." So we stopped, and the 

—50 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

four of us, each picking our man, fired. They 
all straightened up and fell. We then could see 
that they were Indians. 

After we had gone three or four miles from 
where we had killed the Indians, we noticed 
that they were thicker and in bunches, some of 
them as high as fifteen in number. We kept 
dodging around, first on one side and then on 
the other, until finally we came upon a large 
bunch. They killed three of our horses and shot 
Smithy through the left arm. 

Amous discovered a buffalo wallow a few 
yards away. Making a break for the wallow, 
Smithy was shot through the stomach. We 
reached the buffalo wallow and drawing our 
knives, started digging in the sides. After mak- 
ing a few good trenches in the wallow we felt 
safe. The Indians began to hollow to attract the 
attention of others. Having succeeded in these 
plans, they made an attack upon us. Smithy, 
seeing what was up, called for us to shoot him, 
as he did not want to be taken by the red devils. 
So I suggested to Amous that we drag him in. 
Just as we were crawling back into the hole, 
Amous stopped a bullet in his left ankle. 

This seemed to rally the Indians, who, yelling 
at the top of their voices, came forward. We 
waited until they were within about forty yards 

— 51 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

before we started shooting. We killed eight 
horses before they could get out of the way. 
They continued in this manner all the afternoon. 
In one of their attacks I dropped a horse, and 
when the horse fell it pinned the rider to the 
ground. He would yell and try to encourage his 
men to come after him, but all in vain. We shot 
him just before sundown. We held our camp 
in the wallow all O. K. 

On the following morning as day was break- 
ing, I stuck my head up to make an observation 
of the country, and as I did so an Indian, who 
crept into another wallow about fifty yards dis- 
tant tried a shot at me. The bullet passed 
through my hat and cut a groove through my 
long hair. I waited a minute and said, **Amous, 
that is a darned Indian over there in that wal- 
low- Now we will have to get him or he will 
give us a lot of trouble. I think I have a plan. 
Get your gun ready and when I stick my hat up 
on the end of this rifle, I want you to make a sure 
shot." "Well, boy, you can bet your last bite of 
horse meat that I will send the bullet straight to 
its mark if he exposes the least bit of his carcus," 
he said. 



— 52 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

CHAPTER XIV 

It was about a minute before I got my hat in 
sight. As it came in view the Indian's rifle fired. 
I let my hat lean to the right, as if I had been 
shot. This, of course, excited him. Getting 
braver, he raised up to see what he had hit. Just 
at this time Amous Chapman fired. I saw him 
throw his hands up and pitch forward to the 
ground, never to rise again. ''Now that d — d 
thing will never trouble anyone else, or do his 
favorite dance again ; he is now in the happy 
hunting ground," said Amous. 

We were unable to leave the wallow all that 
day. We also kept a sharp lookout for reds. At 
times they would come within two hundred 
yards, and we always managed to get either the 
Indian or his horse, which ever we might shoot 
at. They continued to maneuver all around us 
all that day. That night, things were as quiet 
as if we were in the city. All at once Amous 
jerked his knife from the sheathe- At about 
this time a rifle fired ; then I heard the clash of 
knives and saw the sparks. After a few min- 
utes he came to me and said, ''Lewis, these In- 
dians are becoming very sociable." 

The remaining part of the night passed with- 
out any further trouble. It was the morning of 

—58— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

our third day in this wallow that we sighted a 
color bearer coming in our direction. We al- 
lowed him to come within a few feet of our 
stronghold before challanging him. Amous 
started the conversation with the Indian by ask- 
ing him what he wanted. The Indian replied 
that he wanted us to surrender, that they would 
not hurt us. I listened to the conversation in 
disgust. I said, ''Amous, let me talk to him.*' 
Turning to the Indian, I said : ''Your tongue is 
like a snake's tongue, it is forked; you would 
not tell the truth at all." This made him mad. 
He turned and went away. We did not care for 
this, and I had already worked my bluff on him. 
I will explain why. My needle gun was a fifty 
caliber, and had a thirty-six inch barrel. I had 
run out of ammunition for this gun, but one aft- 
ernon before leaving camp I discovered that the 
gattling gun shells would fit it, and being much 
heavier powder, it would shoot a greater dis- 
tance. With a lot of shots from the wallow I 
would drop an .Indian or his horse at five hun- 
dred yards; on one occasion I broke the record 
by dropping an Indian at a mile's distance. The 
only thing that the Indians could do was to stay 
in that vicinity and keep us surrounded. On the 
close of the afternoon of our second day in this 
wallow our horse meat gave out; also Smithy 
died. This gave us the poor fellow's food, which 

—54— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

we accepted. After our provisions had given 
out we were forced to eat grass and roots and 
drink the muddy water which was in the bot- 
tom of the wallow. 

On the afternoon of the third day it began to 
rain, and the atmosphere became very heavy 
and dark, but with nothing but blood in our 
eyes, we stuck to our post. It was about 5 :30 
in the evening when I sighted a bunch of 
mounted Indians approaching, or what I thought 
to be that. When they were within two hundred 
yards Amous picked up his gun and said, ''Lewis 
I guess those Indians are determnied to take us, 
watch me bring the chief out of his saddle." 

I grinned as he swung his rifle into a firing 
position, and with the quickness of a cat, his 
rifle spoke. It was lucky for the man in ad- 
vance that it was a little elevation, for it raised 
his horse's head just enough to catch the shot. 
Just as the horse fell I heard a bugle call for the 
men to charge. We realized our mistake in fir- 
ing on the troop of cavalry, but we were not re- 
sponsible, for it was in the war zone, so we 
treated them all alike, friends or otherwise. 

We stuck our hats up to signify that we were 
not Indians, and as the captain saw who it was 
he was very much angered over our shooting 
his mount. They would not even let us have a 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

horse to carry Amous to where we could obtain 
medical aid. We told them where they could 
find Colonel Miles, which was on to our south 
about fourteen miles, as I had left them several 
days previous, but they were fixing to move in 
our direction. As to whether they had done 
this, I could not say. 



CHAPTER XV. 

This troup had been ordered from New Mex- 
ico, and on up into Indian Territory to re-inforce 
Colonel Miles' command. We remained here 
until Colonel Miles and Colonel Bittle arrived. 
We had been in the buffalo wallow for five days. 
After Colonel Miles had arrived we buried 
Smithy and went further north, where we had 
another scirmish with the Indians who had had 
our wagon train surrounded. 

We were all very glad to meet the wagon 
train, as we were almost starved. The troop in 
company of the wagon train was in four hundred 
yards of a small creek when they were attacked. 
The Indians were lined up in order that the 
wagon train would be compelled to go in the di- 
rection of the Indians' main camp. 

—56— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

After I had supper and got a little sleep I 
went in search of Amous, but when I found him 
our doctor had already amputated his foot, and 
he was resting very nicely. Of course, this put 
my old friend, Amous Chapman, out of the 
scouting business. He was laid up for some long 
months before he was able to get out again. 

I was standing within a few yards of field 
headquarters when Captain Mock came by. 
I said: ''Captain, I notice there are a lot of men 
in your command that are wearing patches 
upon their heads, as well as yourself. What 
seems to be the trouble?" ''Well, Lewis, old 
boy, the only thing that I can say is that we had 
dug in the sand hills while we were surrounded 
and every time one of us would stick one of our 
heads up an Indian was ready to take a shot at 
us." 

We had a very funny thing to happen to us 
after we had been in camp on the Wichita river 
for a few days, which was our camp on account 
of the water supplies, and better grazing 
grounds for the horses. One afternoon just as 
the sun was setting a young man who seemed to 
be about eighteen years of age came up and 
asked for a soldier by the name of Henry. After 
some little time Mr. Henry was found, and they 
became friends at once. 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

The boy told us that he had been captured 
some few days before by the Indians, and that 
upon making friends with one of the Indian 
squaws, she had set him at liberty. He remained 
in camp for some time, but one morning we were 
startled to find the body of a murdered man, 
who was of Troop F. After the blood had been 
washed from his face, who should it be but 
Henry. We knew that it was not an Indian who 
had done this. We started an investigation and 
found this young man had disappeared. It was 
later learned that this boy's father had been in 
the army some time prior, and had deserted. But 
this was no reason for the murder unless the 
boy's father and Henry had had a fight, and 
Henry had given the boy's father a thrashing. 

Some few (Jays later Colonel Miles came and 
asked if I could not find a better camping ground 
where the grass was more plentiful. I replied 
that I would be only too glad to saddle my horse 
and find out. So, saddling my horse, I started 
up the bank of the river and came to what is 
called a horse shoe bend- This was about six 
miles from where we were camping. So I re- 
turned and reported to Colonel Miles that I had 
found a good location. 

It was not very long before we were en route 
to our new camp, and arriving, we soon had 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

everything in place. This was to be our head- 
quarters for some time, unless other orders were 
received. 

Upon the following day, after our new camp 
had been adopted. Colonel Miles called Colonel 
Bittle and gave him orders to go in command of 
Troop A of the Sixth cavalry to Camp Supply 
for horses and also more supplies, as they were 
going to make this a regular post. 

Upon these orders, Colonel Bittle expressed 
a desire that I be sent as scout and guide. This 
was a very easy matter to settle, and the follow- 
ing morning Troop A, with a string of wagons, 
set out for Camp Supply. 

Things went very smoothly the first day out, 
but on the second day after we had had our din- 
ner. Colonel Bittle and I were riding in advance 
of the wagons and troops about four hundred 
yards. I had to keep a sharp watch ahead. I 
saw the grass move about thirty yards ahead. I 
was ready for instant action, as experience as 
a scout had long before taught me to be. I fired 
when the grass moved, and after I fired Colonel 
Bittle turned and asked me, "What are you 
shooting at, trying to shoot my head off?" "No, 
I was shooting to your left." He said, "the bul- 
let went through my hat." We will return to 

— 59 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

the wagons, Colonel," I replied, "there are some 
Indians in front of us." "Very well," he said, 
"you are in charge and know the best." 

We returned to the wagon, which was coming 
up at a very slow^ace, and upon arriving where 
the shooting occurred, we discovered that I had 
hit the Indian just under the right arm, and that 
the bullet had come out under his left arm. Of 
course when a bullet from the hand cannon 
which I was carrying hit anything it was all over 
with them. 

Things were quiet enough on the rest of our 
journey to Camp Supply. We didn't even see a 
buffalo- We arrived at the camp some few days 
later, and upon our arrival Colonel Bittle was in- 
formed that there had been a bird dog sent to 
him from New York. The colonel was so en- 
thused over the new member to our outfit that 
he would not wait until he started back, but 
taking a few men and myself, he started out for 
a little hunt. 



CHAPTER XVI 

After leaving the trail and going some dis- 
tance, a bird was found. The soldiers were 
spread out on our right and left, while Colonel 

—60— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 



Bittle and I had taken the center. The bird was 
killed, it dropping into some grass, and I had 
quite a little difficulty in finding it. While I 
was thusly engaged, Colonel Bittle continued 
ahead, looking for another shot. I found my 
bird and set out to catch up with them. When 
I was within about two hundred yards I was sur- 
prised to see two Indians following him. They 
were within fifty yards of him, and had their 
spears drawn to throw one into his body. I was 
unable to fire upon them, as Colonel Bittle w^as 
directly in front of me. Finally the colonel 
turned sharply to the right. This gave me a 
better opportunity. I raised by gun and fired. 
As I did the Indian in advance threw up his 
hands and dropped to the ground. Hearing the 
report of the gun, the colonel turned sharply 
around and demanded to know what I was do- 
ing. But it was not necessary to answer him, be- 
cause the dead Indian lay just behind him ar.d 
his companion stood with lifted hands. We met 
at the Indian and after patting me on the back 
he said, ''You have saved my life again." After 
the killing of the Indian we returned to Camp 
Supply, taking our prisoner with us. 

On the following morning the Indian told 
Colonel Lewis that he knew where there were 
some Squaws and Papooses that wanted to give 

— 61 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

up and stop roaming around half starved- It v^as 
decided that a detachment of troopers v^ould be 
sent out v^ith Colonel Bittle in command. As 
soon as the order had been issued I v^as sent for. 
We started out, and after going a little ways I 
moved up with Colonel Bittle and was ready 
for action when we reached a bluff. Now, said 
the Indian, "me go to where em squaws are and 
bring 'em back." 

Up the cliff he went, and when he reached 
the top he waived his hand, good bye. Just as 
he started to throw himself to the ground, my 
old rifle went off. He threw up his hands and 
came rolling back down the cliff. Colonel Bittle 
said, "Lewis, you seem to read these people like 
a book, why did you kill him?" "Colonel, the 
reason is very easily explained. If the Indian had 
been allowed his freedom he would have re- 
ported to the chief that we were returning with 
other supplies and horses, and by killing him 
I have saved the life of some of our soldiers," I 
answered. "Lewis, you are a wonder." After 
this we returned to Camp Supply. 

The next morning we prepared for our return 
trip for Wichita headquarters. We reached 
camp and found everything in good shape, but 
after I had been there five days Colonel Miles 
received information that there were fifty re- 

—62— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

cruits at Camp Supply for our detachment. And 
as I was the only available scout, I selected four 
good soldiers and started back for Camp Sup- 
ply. We reached Camp Supply without any 
trouble. After waiting for two days our boys 
arrived, but to hinder us they had a small wagon 
train, so upon their arrival we again started for 
Wichita. 

When we were within about twenty-eight 
miles of our camp on the Wichita river, we were 
then in about ten miles of the Canadian river. 
I was riding about four hundred yards in front 
of the troop, when I discovered forty mounted 
Indians coming. I rode back to the troop and 
gave orders for them to dismount and be ready 
for action. Even though the men were recruits, 
they seemed to realize the necessity of quick 
and accurate shooting. Laying on our stomach, 
we gave the Indians such a warm reception that 
they soon found out that we were too many for 
them, and dispersed at once. 

We continued on and when we reached the 
Canadian river we were surprised that Troop L 
had been out scouting for some few days and 
had gone into camp. We remained in camp 
with Troop L that night, and I was informed 
that there was a new scout there to pilot us to 
headquarters. I began to talk to him then. He 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

was a big, raw-boned fellow and seemed to 
know it all. We rested that night and all the 
following day. The next night when we were 
ready to leave the new scout informed me that 
we would go to our camp by the river route, 
which was then about fifteen miles from Horse 
Shoe Bend, where I had left them. He said the 
cause for moving was for a better camp, and 
also that there were a few Indians scattered in 
the vicinity of the old camp. When hearing the 
latter information I told the fellow that I would 
not go by the river route, but would go over the 
plains, as I had been in that section of the coun- 
try before and knew just about where to head 
in. ''All right," he said, "they can go with you 
if they want to." I told the boys if they wanted 
a fight in the night, which was a very unhandy 
thing to do, they could go with him, but if they 
wanted to reach camp in peace they had better 
come along with me. 

The four soldiers who had been to Camp Sup- 
ply with me had seen enough to know that I 
generally knew what I was talking about, so 
they said they were with me, and also advised 
the troopers they had better do likewise. *'A11 
right," said the scout, **you fellows don't have 
to go with me, even though I was sent to take 
charge." 

—64— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

He departed on the route that he wanted us 
to take, and we went over the plains. We 
reached camp about 2 a.m. of the following 
morning, after leaving Troop L on the Canadian. 
After retiring we slept until about 8 a.m. After 
getting up Colonel Miles called me and asked 
the whereabouts of the new scout. I told him 
of his meeting us on the Canadian, and how he 
insisted that we return over the route by the 
river. After explaining why I did not care to 
come that route, I told him it would be a wise 
idea for a detachment of men to be sent out to 
his rescue. This was done. After going about 
five miles we met him coming, barefoot, coat off, 
hat gone and without his rifle. 



CHAPTER XVII 

He said he thought he had reached the camp 
of Colonel Miles and did not know the difference 
until he had reached the center of an Indian 
camp. Colonel Miles gave him orders to report 
at Camp Supply immediately, with sealed in- 
structions for Colonel Lewis to send him back 
to civil life. 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

Some few days after our new scout had been 
sent back to Camp Supply, they sent us an- 
other man, bringing with him thirty Allegheny 
Indians, who were to serve as scouts also. The 
country was becoming so wooly and the Indians 
getting so thick in this section it was understood 
in military circles that there was going to be a 
war. 

Johnston proved to be a real scout, and a 
bully good fellow, and after he had been in 
camp about a week he and I were sent to Camp 
Supply with a mule, which was packed with 
mail. Just as the sun was setting we saddled 
our ponies and made the start. We traveled all 
night, and until about 10 o'clock the following 
morning, when about twelve Indians discovered 
us. Seeing them, we crossed the river, and 
after going something like two or three miles, 
the Indians came close enough to shoot John- 
ston's horse. Johnston, taking his knife, cut the 
mail from the mule's back, handed it to me, and 
taking the saddle from the dead horse, put it on 
the mule. We then continued down the river 
for about eight miles, crossing back to the other 
side. We discovered that the Indians were 
lighting signal fires. This was to notify others 
to be on the outlook. After continuing along 

—66— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

for some time, Johnston stopped and said: 
"Lewis, you see those antilope over there on the 
ridge?" I answered, "Yes, and that isn't all 
they have only two legs." 

I told him that it would not do for us to con- 
tinue in this direction, for there was a bunch 
of those pests behind the hill waiting. We 
turned and crossed the river. We had not gone 
more than thirty yards in the river until John- 
ston's mule w^as shot. I was in advance about 
twenty feet, when I heard him hollow. Looking 
around, I saw him holding his gun above the 
water. I turned my horse and went back. I 
told him to not try to get on the horse, but to 
catch his tail. 

This he did, but as we were nearing the bank 
I became overbalanced and dropped the mail in 
the river. Before I had regained my balance 
the Indians hit my horse in the back, just behind 
the saddle, the bullet coming out between his 
fore legs. The horse scrambled out of the 
water, and as he did I jumped from his back 
and cut the saddle girth, pulling the bridle off 
of him. I turned him loose. He only went a 
few yards before he dropped dead. 

The bullets kept coming, and we being dis- 
mounted, began to feel a little nervous. John- 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

ston said, ''Let's get to the high grass." So we 
went for the river bottom, and into the tall 
grass. We then made our way to the cliff. Here 
we pulled our shoes off, so that the Indians 
could not track us. 

We found our way up the cliff until we 
reached the top, where we found a crevis in a 
rock which was hidden from view by a cedar 
tree. So we hid here until dark. At one time 
the Indians came within forty yards of us, but 
did not find our place of concealment. 

As night came on Johnston drew a long 
breath and said, 'Those Indians came very near 
getting us, old head. It is dark now, we had 
better give them the slip. I don't believe I was 
born to be scalped by those blood-thirsty dea- 
mons, anyway." 

We started, and after going some distance we 
came face to face with two of them. Out came 
our knives. We started to work on them and 
after a few seconds we passed on. We contin- 
ued on until we reached Camp Supply without 
any further trouble. We found a guard on 
picket, who called the officer of the day, who 
took us into camp and gave us some breakfast, 
and after this we turned in for sleep. It must 
have been about 2 am. when we reached camp. 

_68— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

And it was about 12 o'clock the following day 
when we woke up, and after having a dinner, 
we told of our trip. 

That night we prepared ourselves for the re- 
turn trip, getting horses and our saddles ready. 
Colonel Lewis gave me some dispatches for Col- 
onel Miles; we also had some letters for the 
boys. We started back over the plains, but this 
time we went further south. This was done to 
give old trails a wide berth. In this manner w^e 
kept out of sight of the Indians. 

The Indians generally hung around on the 
trails to ambush people as they were passing, 
but people generally stuck to the trails pretty 
close. We continued on our way back for Col- 
onel Miles headquarters, not knowing that he 
had moved, or that we were in a nest of Indians. 
The only thing that we could do was to back 
track, which we did without hesitation. We re- 
turned to the plains, and it was here that I found 
Johnston to be a number one shot. We had 
to do a little fancy shooting and as w^e were in a 
short distance of camp, we took a chance at 
firing and running. 

After drifting around in a wooded patch, we 
finally dodged them, and after going two or 
three miles further up the river we ran into an- 

—69— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

other bunch. Being on the plains, we knew how 
to keep them at their distance. We reached 
camp in due time. 

Things at this time had become very different 
from what they were when we left. The men 
were rested and the horses were in fine condi- 
tion. Also they had plenty of provisions. 

The afternoon after our arrival, Colonel Miles 
told me that he would like for me and Johnston 
to take up the advance and keep watering places 
in view, as they were to travel the next day. We 
started out at sundown, and about 4 o'clock the 
next morning we found water. We returned to 
our command and reported the same. We met 
them coming in our direction, so we returned to 
the water, which was discovered about 10:30. 
Johnston and I went to sleep, and after a good 
nap we started out again, that we might locate 
some more water. In this manner we kept 
plenty of water for the horses and men. 

We were then camped about five miles from 
a canyon, while Troop A, of the Sixth cavalry, 
was on the opposite side. The Indians were 
camped in the canyon. Colonel Miles, knowing 
that the cavalry was to join him, gave me a dis- 
patch to the commanding officer and told me to 
make all haste possible, as he wanted to catch 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

the Indians while there. 

I reached the troop and delivered the dispatch 
but upon finding so many Indians, he refused to 
obey orders. When Colonel Miles arrived at 
the canyon he was surprised to find that the 
Indians had made their escape. The lieutenant 
of the cavalry was tried by a court-martial, and 
suspended from rank. Taking his pay, he left 
in a cowardly manner. 

We went into camp after finding that our 
game had gone, and remained for about a week. 
Then breaking camp, we returned to Wichita, 
where we established ourselves and stayed for 
a week. 

Colonel Miles told Johnston and I that he was 
going to move east, and that we would do as be- 
fore; go in advance and locate camping places 
and also water. On our first night we located 
water about twenty miles from our command, so 
we returned again to our command. At this 
location we stayed for some few days, until I 
discovered a new trail of the Indians. These 
trails led in the direction of Salt Fork and the 
Canadian river. 

We had only been in this camp about three 
days, when we began to get ready to move. 
Johnston and I were scouting one night and 

—71 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

found an Indian camp. Upon finding the camp, 
we returned and reported the same to Colonel 
Miles. And we also found a watering hole 
about eight miles from where the camp was 
then located. That morning we moved to where 
the water had been located. 

After the sun had set we again started in the 
direction of the Indian camp. It was about 2 
o'clock when we arrived within a half mile of 
the camp. We all dismounted and waited until 
day light. Johnston and I made a scouting trip 
for the purpose of locating the horses. We found 
them, and returned and reported to Colonel 
Miles, with the expectation of him sending a de- 
tachment to stampede them. But instead, he 
sent Captain Madden, of Troop L, with instruc- 
tions that they charge the Indians at daybreak. 
I started off with the troopers, when called by 
Colonel Bittle, who told me to lay down beside 
him, that he might need me later on. 

Just at day break the captain charged the In- 
dians, and after some fierce fighting an Indian 
shot the bugler, and as he was dying he blew 
''Recall." The troops retreated, and upon see- 
ing this, gave orders that the entire force charge. 



— 72 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 



CHAPTER XVIIi 

As we moved up for the attack we found that 
most of the bucks had escaped, but this did not 
keep our men from starting a massacre. I told 
Colonel Miles that the Indians, who were one 
thousand yards away, were a good mark, and 
as they had killed our bugler I would even 
things up. Swinging my gun I took quick aim 
and fired. He fell to the ground. The second 
shot missed its mark. 

As the massacre went on one of our men 
lifted his rifle to hit a squaw, when in English 
she said, 'Tlease don't, I two sisters here." 
Upon hearing this we immediately started in to 
find her sisters. We found the youngest one, 
but could not find the other. This enraged the 
soldiers again, and in a few minutes a wholesale 
massacre started. This lasted until about three 
hundred Indian women and girls had been 
killed. There were also a few of the old men 
killed. 

After the massacre we again started in pur- 
suit of the Indians, and had a running fight in 
which we killed a few of them. Colonel Bittle 
and I were side by side during the fight, which 
was to the left of our men. I had another op- 
portunity to get another Indian. This I did. 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

Colonel Bittle said, 'There is another one for 
our bugler, Lewis." 

After a little more fighting we went into camp 
and after a short time the entire command came 
in. We had grand times listening to the tales 
of the girls, who told some interesting stories of 
the Indians as to how they had been treated. 
This fight occurred on the seventeenth of Octo- 
ber, 1874. After being informed that the In- 
dians had carried their sister away, Johnston, 
who was sitting on the opposite side of the camp 
fire, nodded his head for me to come there. 

I knew what he wanted, so I picked up my 
rifle and a fresh supply of ammunition, making 
my way to Colonel Bittle, and asked him for his 
forty-five. He asked, ''What do you want with 
my pistol?" I said, "I am going after the girls' 
sister." He returned, "I am for you, go to it." 

Here is where the funny stuff started. We 
picked up a pair of Indian blankets, moccasins 
and braiding our long hair and saddling our 
horses, we started on the Indians' trail. After 
several hours riding we passed the place of our 
running fight and proceeded on our way to find 
the camp. After about twelve hours riding we 
came in sight of a little camp, which was lo- 
cated in a little hollow. On the left side there 

—74— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

was a steep cliff, while on the right a small 
creek. After dismounting we crept up within 
a few yards of the camp to wait an opportunity 
in which we could liberate the girl. 

Johnston went to the north end of the camp, 
while I was next to the creek on the south end. 
The Indian camp was in such a shape that I 
judged them to be about four hundred in num- 
ber. It was about 10 :30 p.m. when we first saw 
the girl, who was being thrown into a tepee. 
But we were unable to reach her that night. So 
at daybreak we crawled out of the camp and 
went back to where we had left our horses. 
After getting our horses we went back some dis- 
tance from their camp and lay down for a little 
sleep. It was about sundown when Johnston 
awoke me, I being the last to take my turn in 
sleeping. We again started for the Indian camp. 
Upon arriving we took our posts. After some 
few minutes there I again saw the girl. It being 
dark and our being concealed from the Indians, 
she could not see us, nor did we want to be seen, 
for it meant certain death if we were discovered. 



—75 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

CHAPTER XIX 

We stuck to the post well. The Indians not 
being pursued, became very brave. On the sec- 
ond night they were sleeping all over the ground 
and about half the number of sentinels- I 
crawled up in about six yards of where the girl 
was sleeping with my knife in my mouth. She 
was sleeping near a big buck Indian. 

As the night wore on more of them lay down 
to sleep. About midnight they were nearly all 
sleeping, and the fire had burned very low. I 
crawled up to the girl. Laying my finger on her 
arm, I gave her a little gentle pinch. She was 
startled for a minute, but realized that help was 
at hand. She almost fainted. Reaching over 
the girl's body, I gave a quick jab with my 
bowie, sending it to the Indian's heart. Not 
having time to enjoy this scene, I whispered to 
the girl to come and be quick or we may never 
get out. She needed very little encouragement, 
so we started on our way. Having gone but a 
short distance, I saw something crawling. Whip- 
ping out my knife, I made a slash at it. There 
was a crash and a shower of sparks. It was 
then that I saw it was Johnston. He said, 
**Lewis, you certainly gave me some surprise." 

We had gone only about thirty yards from the 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

camp, when a guard spied us. He fired- John- 
ston said, 'That is the last thing on this earth 
you will do." So saying, he fired at the Indian, 
who was then only about ten steps from us. We 
did not stop to see what the outcome was of this 
shot, but made a bee line for our horses. Mount- 
ing, Johnston pitched my rifle to me and we 
were off as fast as possible. 

The moon was just rising, and we were at 
some disadvantage, for the Indians could see to 
follow U3 and shoot at close range. It was some 
three or four hours before we gave them the 
dodge, but when we did there was little time 
lost. 

Time had passed very rapidly, and it was on 
the morning of October the twenty-third that 
Colonel Bittle became very nervous because of 
our not returning, and had sent a few of the Al- 
legheny Indians to see if they could locate us. 
The Indian scouts had sighted us a few miles 
^way, and had returned and reported to the 
colonel that we would arrive in a short while, 
and that we had the girl, or prisoner, they did 
not know w^hich. Upon being informed of this. 
Colonel Miles, Colonel Bittle and tw^o troops of 
cavalry started to meet us. When they met us 
there was great cheering and shooting in honor 

—77 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

of our return. 

After reaching camp and having a good rest, 

we heard more Indian stories from the girls that 
had been captured. It was August, 1873, 
when they were captured, and had not been res- 
cued the eighteenth, 1874. I also learned that 
it was their parents that I had been sent to guide 
a company of soldiers over the Smoky hill route 
to bury. The Indians had massacred them, 
scalping the small babies before killing them. 
After listening for a while to the young lady 
that Johnston and I had released, she related 
what a horrible sight they had witnessed- 

They said that the Indians had captured two 

soldier scouts one afternoon and brought them 
to camp. One of the men had been shot through 
the leg and was suffering when they were 
brought in there tied with buck skin strings. 
They were kicked, slapped and were treated in 
every torturous way possible. When the men 
asked for mercy, the Indian chief told them 
that they had not been tortured yet. The white 
girls were immediately bound so that they could 
not release the prisoners, who were taken about 
thirty yards away and tied over an ant bed. 

The girl said that they could hear the men 
groaning from pain from where they were. It 

— 78— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

was something awful that these men went 
through with. After the third day without food 
and water, they became unconscious. The In- 
dian chief inquired if the ants had eaten their 
eyes out. Being told that they had, he ordered 
them tied to the stake. ''I had one look at them," 
said the girl. ''The ants had eaten back in their 
heads, and their eye balls had dropped out." 

After tieing the men to the stake they gath- 
ered grass and brush, which was piled until they 
were almost covered up. With burning torches 
they gathered around them, dancing and bran- 
dishing their torches in the air- 

This had no effect on the prisoners, as they 
had fainted from exposure. At last the flames 
were applied to the grass, and in a few minutes 
the men could be seen leaning forward, and 
were burned into a crisp. After this horrible 
execution, the men were taken from the stake 
and carried a short distance away, and there 
left. 

In speaking of the trouble that had taken 
place before the troops had been sent in this 
section, she related to us one incident there with 
the Indians. Scouts had come into camp with 
the scalps of women and babies, and also some 
men in their belts. This was the first we had 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

heard of the soldiers that Colonel Miles had sent 
in search of the wagon train. 

It was then decided that our command w^ould 
return to the north end of Stake Plains. This 
done, we again went into camp. We would have 
remained where we were, but the Canadian river 
had so much lye in it we could not drink it. 

After being in camp on the creek on Stake 
Plains for some time, a number of Indians came 
in and gave themselves up. This was due to the 
fact that they were starving. When this oc- 
curred we decided that we would remain here 
for the winter. Things were very quiet in camp, 
nothing of an exciting nature transpiring. All 
the boys did was to play poker and enjoy camp 
life. 

The Indians continued coming in and surren- 
dering themselves in little squads. But one aft- 
ernoon just at dusk an Indian came into camp, 
carrying a white rag on his gun. He inquired 
for the big pale face chief. Colonel Miles an- 
swered him. The Indian had very little to say, 
but that his chief and twelve men were a short 
distance away and wanted to surrender, provid- 
ing they would not kill them. 



—80- 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

CHAPTER XX 

After being assured that they would not be 
killed, he returned to his chief. In about thirty 
minutes the Indian chief came to our camp. 
When he arrived he saw the young lady that 
had been a captive for so long under him. Upon 
seeing her he seemed to be very glad. Going 
up to her, he said, *'How." The girl turned to 
Colonel Miles and said, "This is the man that 
killed my mother and father, and I will never be 
satisfied until I am revenged." So saying, she 
made a lunge for Lieutenant Henig's pistol. The 
lieutenant prevented her from getting hold of 
his gun. But some few nights after that Troop 
A was on guard, and having a number of friends 
in this troop, it was arranged with one of the 
Allegheny Indians to induce the chief to slip out 
of the correl and to pass the girl's tent. It was 
about 12 o'clock that night that the chief came 
by, and as he did so the girl was there to meet 
him. With a revolver, she shot him through the 
breast. Then with a big butcher knife, she cut 
him until he was dead. Just at this time the 
guard who was on that post called for the ser- 
geant of the guard, who was very dilitary in 
answering. When finally he came up the guard 
walking post told him that the Indian had tried 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

to escape and he was forced to fire. ''That was 
exactly right," he retorted, '*when they cross 
the dead line you know your orders." 

The girls remained in our camp for quite a 
little while. When the boys saw the girls start 
for a walk they would gather around them for 
some more Indian stories, and after they had 
finished telling their Indian stories the boys 
would throw dollar bills to them. This was the 
only way they had of spending their money. The 
girls' people were living in North Georgia. The 
girls were finally sent to Camp Supply, and 
from there to their homes. 

It was during the winter of 1874 that Colonel 
Mile's started to build a post where we were 
then camped. This post was named ''Reno," in 
honor of Colonel Miles' best friend, who was in 
command of a post in North Dakota. After the 
post was under construction I was doing a great 
deal of scouting in this section of the country; 
also carrying dispatches from Colonel Miles to 
Camp Supply. 

Colonel Miles ordered Colonel Bittle to take 
one troop of Cavalry in wagons and go to Camp 
Supply, which was about one hundred miles 
from Camp Reno, and for him to take eight of 
the Allegheney Indian Scouts, for they were ex- 

—82— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

tra good scouts, and could do most anything that 
was to be done. 

Colonel Bittle had been gone one day, when 
Colonel Miles called me and said that he had a 
very important dispatch that must go to Camp 
Supply with all speed possible- He told me to 
take the best horse in camp, and when I had 
overtaken Colonel Bittle to exchange for the 
best one that he had. After putting on my buck 
skin suit, I painted my face as an Indian warrior, 
and getting my rifle and revolver, I started. 

I did not overtake Colonel Bittle and his troop 

until the next morning just as they were eating 
breakfast. After we had finished breakfast I 
told Colonel Bittle that I had orders to exchange 
horses with him for a fresh one. He told me that 
one of his Allegheny Indians had been out scout- 
ing in that direction the evening before and that 
he had seen an Indian. To his opinion it would 
be better for me to remain with them until they 
had passed the next watering hole, which was 
about three miles further on. I thanked him and 
told him that I didn't think there would be any 
trouble, and started ahead. 

I bid the boys good bye and went on. After 
going about two miles I came to the top of a lit- 
tle rise. Shading my eyes with my hands, I 

—83— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

looked in every direction. About that time my 
pony started, and I sav^ an Indian in the tall 
grass, which v^as only a fev^ yards from the 
water hole that Colonel Bittle had told me of. 
But not being sure, I went on down, but for 
safety first, I swung my rifle to the right side, 
with the barrel across the saddle. 

While my horse was drinking I saw an Indian 
move. Swinging my rifle to the spot, he said, 
"Citaw." I replied "Citaw," and then Citaw 
was repeated for fully five minutes. I came to 
the conclusion that there must be a thousand of 
them. I did not know what to do. Colonel Bit- 
tie had made me promise to return to him and 
report if I sighted any Indians, and after the 
second thought I decided it would be better for 
me to go on, for I knew if I should start back 
they would kill me, and I knew that they had 
scouts out and that one of them had reported 
that the wagon train was approaching. 

So I continued on my waj^ for about five miles 
without seeing another Indian, and as I turned 
around a hill I came within six thousand yards 
of five of the red deamons. Dismounting, I used 
my horse for a breast works, and also as a rest 
for my gun. I soon made three of them kiss the 
ground and stay with it. The others thought 

— 84 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 



that it was time for them to hunt tall grass, 
which they did. 



CHAPTER XXI 

I went on to Camp Supply and delivered my 
dispatch. On the following day I started on my 
return trip with a return message. I again gave 
the old trail the wide berth, as I had nearly lost 
my life on this trip. I reached Camp Reno with- 
out any trouble of any kind, and had about ten 
days rest before Colonel Bittle returned. 

When he arrived he told me that they had 
had a fight with the Indians at the water hole, 
and that one of the Allegheny scouts had been 
wounded and four mules killed. He also said 
that they had killed about fifty of the Indians, 
but on the return trip he had another encounter, 
this time taking about twenty-five prisoners. 

It was not long until an Indian appeared and 
asked for the ''big pale face chief" that had the 
long shoot. He had reference to me and my 
needle gun. I was called to headquarters. Then 
he said, "Big Indian chief give much money and 
five ponies for your scalp, and pointed his finger 

—85— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

in the direction of where my last fight occurred. 

I was sure there was no harm in him, so I 
showed him my gun. He said, "I will give you 
five ponies for it right now." After joking with 
him for some time, I asked him, ''What do you 
want with it." He replied, *'I want to kill heap 
much brave scout." After telling him that I 
did not care to sell it, he turned to Colonel Miles 
and wanted to buy a cannon. The colonel asked 
him, ''What do you want with a cannon, to kill 
my men, I suppose?" "No," he replied, "I want 
to kill cow boys. We kill soldiers with spears." 
The colonel told him that he would not sell him 
one, and at this he went away. 

On the day before Colonel Bittle left for Camp 
Supply, and my departure the following day, 
Johnston and White Horse, the Allegheny chief, 
who was in charge of the Indian scouts, had 
gone on a hunt and had not returned when I 
left. 

After I had returned he was relating to me of 
his hunting trip. They had gone about thirty 
miles from Camp Reno, when they found a buf- 
falo, which they killed and was skinning it when 
six Indians appeared and attacked them. They 
did not think it best to fight them, for the shoot- 
ing would attract the attention of others, so 

—86— 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

mounting their horses, they returned to camp 
and reported to Colonel Miles, who sent troops 
back to locate them. Returning to where the 
attack had taken place, he said that he and 
White Horse were in advance of the troops 
about three hundred yards. They discovered 
the Indian chief of the attacking party, riding 
in their direction. 

The chief Allegheny scout told him to wait, 
that he would see what the chief of the Com- 
manchees wanted. So saying, he left him and 
approached the Commanchee chief. They met 
on a level stretch of ground and went together 
like cats. The Commanchee chief was very un- 
fortunate in making the attack, but they went 
to the ground. Seeing the condition of their 
chief, the Commanchee Indians surrounded 
them. The Allegheny chief seeing this, jumped 
upon the back of his horse and started riding 
his horse in a circle. He did this in order to keep 
their attention attracted, so the troopers could 
capture them, which they did. 

After capturing them, they finished their job 
by going to the Indian camp and capturing the 
rest of them. After he had finished telling me 
his story, I told him of my experiences. 



!7 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

CHAPTER XXII 

As we had nothing to do for a few days, 
Johnston and myself and five of the Allegheny 
scouts set out to get a general location of other 
things. Making our way about one hundred 
miles from Camp Reno, we pitched our camp. 
Three of us would remain in camp, while the 
other four would go in opposite directions. One 
of the Allegheny Indian scouts came in one aft- 
ernoon and reported that he had located an In- 
dian camp and that he believed they held a 
white girl prisoner. So taking two Allegheny 
scouts with me, we rode as close to this camp 
as it was safe for us to do. Leaving our horses, 
we approached the camp on our hands and 
knees. We stayed here all night, but could not 
learn the location of the girl. 

At day break we returned to our horses, and 
returned to the camp. We slept until about 
noon, and returned early in order that we might 
be sure to learn her location. We were very 
fortunate in learning, so putting on my Indian 
garb, about midnight we crawled up near where 
she was sleeping. One of the scouts crawled up 
on one side and the other on the other, while I 
crawled toward her head. As we were cutting 
the cords which bound her hands and feet one 

— 88 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

of the Indians moved. The scout next to him 
stabbed him through the heart. As she was 
raising up the other Indian moved. He suffered 
the same fate as his mate. She readily under- 
stood the situation, and was crawling behind us. 
As she crawled through the entrance of the 
camp we ran into another Indian. This one suf- 
fered a fate worse than the others, for he was 
stabbed with knives. 

After leaving the Indian camp we were fol- 
lowed by several Indians, with whom we had a 
running fight all the next day. 

After being in camp for about two days, 
Johnston and myself and two of the Allegheny 
Indians started with a dispatch for Camp Sup- 
ply. The Indians were coming into this territory 
from the north, hanging about to see if they 
could not add another scalp to their collections. 
The first day and night we rode as fast as pos- 
sible, stopping to eat breakfast, and after rest- 
ing for some time we again started. It was 
about 9 a.m. when we discovered ten mounted 
Indians coming in our direction. Seeing them, 
we made our way to the bluff. Before we, 
reached our destination three of our horses had 
been killed and the fourth one had at least eight 
flesh wounds about over him. 

—89 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

As we were nearing the bluff a bullet hit me 
in the highthigh. This did not amount to very 
much, as it hit no veins (there is still a scar 
where it hit me). One of the Indian scouts was 
hit in the arm by a bullet, which severed an ar- 
tery and every beat of the heart the blood would 
gush six inches. I saw that he would not live 
very long at this rate, so dismounting from my 
horse, I tore the shirt from my back and with 
the aid of a stick I soon had the flow of blood 
stopped. We soon made quick work of four of 
the red varmints. 

We did not have any further trouble with 
them, and at sundown we started on our journey 
again. The scout had bled so much that he was 
too weak to walk, so we had to tie him to the 
saddle of our only horse. We walked all night 
and reached Camp Supply about 10 o'clock the 
following morning. 

The Indian and myself were sent to the hos- 
pital, while Johnston and the other were sent 
back to Camp Reno with a return dispatch. I 
saw Johnston some time later and he told me 
that he and his companion had a successful trip, 
without anything occurring. However, they had 
to keep their eyes peeled. 

After I had been in the hospital something 

— 90 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

like three weeks, Colonel Lewis asked me if I 
could carry an important dispatch to Camp 
Reno. I told him that I thought my leg would 
stand the trip, so I proceeded to get my horse, 
gun, revolver and cartridge belt, and once again 
I saddled my horse and set out for Colonel Miles* 
headquarters. As I left camp I gave all trails 
a wide berth, leaving them fifteen to twenty 
miles, and striking out over rough country. As 
luck would have it, I happened to no mishaps 
during this trip, and only saw a few Indians. 
However, that was perfectly safe, so long as 
they did not see me. 

After getting to Camp Reno, I delivered my 
dispatch, and for the next two or three weeks 
I took life easy, in order to let my wounded leg 
recuperate. Having gotten quite sound again, 
Johnston hailed me to go buffalo hunting. I was 
only too glad to go, so the next morning he and 
I, accompanied by one of the Indian scouts, 
struck out. We were very successful, having 
brought down four buffalos, and on our return 
trip we crossed an Indian trail, running toward 
Camp Supply. We began an investigation and 
found them to be about one hundred strong. 
We hurried on in and reported to Colonel Miles, 
and after some few minutes we were ordered 
out again, this time to accompany Colonel Bittle, 

—91— 



FIGHTS AND ADVEN TURES WITH THE INDIANS 

who was to take five troops of cavalry. 

We set out that night and followed it up with 
all haste possible, but not until the morning of 
the fourth day did we encounter them. Then 
we took them completely by surprise. As soon 
as they discovered that they were being pur- 
sued they prepared for action. We also got 
ready for them. Getting our gattling guns in 
play, we went after them. They held their posi- 
tion for almost an hour, but finding that we 
were killing them out so fast, they made a break 
for their horses, mounted them, and we had a 
running fight. 

Some of them made good their escape. How- 
ever, there was something like fifty fell during 
the skirmish. Due to the fact that the Indians 
had scattered so badly, we could not follow 
them with any success, so we turned our feet 
homeward, and reaching camp again in safety, 
we took up the dull routine of camp life. 



CHAPTER XXin 

After resting a few days. Colonel Miles told 
Johnston and me that we were going to have to 

— 92 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

do some hard work, and also stand guard, as he 
was going to complete this fort. After some 
few days he told us that he would rather we 
would skirmish around the camp and try and 
get some of the Indian snipers which were giv- 
ing us a great deal of trouble. We had a nice 
job in front of us, so we started cleaning up our 
guns, but, however, we soon thinned them out. 
Day by day the work progressed, until we had 
several log cabins erected. It was then that 
Johnston and I were sent to Camp Supply for 
wagons to haul ceiling with which we were to 
finish our cabins. 

It was about the fifteenth of December, 1874, 
that we started on this trip. Colonel Miles told 
us that he was going to send three of the Indian 
scouts with us, as he expected us to have quite 
a great deal of trouble. They were also to assist 
us in bringing the wagons. We traveled all the 
first night, and just as we reached a bunch of 
bushes on a little rise, before crossing the Wich- 
ita river, w^e stopped to eat a cold lunch and let 
the horses nibble the short grass around us. 
After an hour's rest we again started on our 
journey. 

After crossing the Canadian river we ran into 
a nest of Indians. Turning into the cliffs, we 

—93 — 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

were pursued by fifty of them. Going over the 
cliff, we thought that we could outrun them, but 
we discovered that we were cut off on the other 
side. There was nothing for us to do but to re- 
turn to the cliff, and this we were forced to do as 
fast as possible, and this was too slow, for the 
lead was too warm to suit me. 

It seemed that luck was against us, for they 
again killed three of our horses ; just as I was go- 
ing over a little rise one of the scoundrels shot 
my horse through and through, the bullet cut- 
ting my trousers on both sides. 

As the horse fell I tried to release my feet, but 
could not, the horse falling and rolling over me. 
Johnston and the Indians held them off. It was 
about two hours before I was able to help them 
any, and it was very little that I could do then, 
for my lungs were hurt and bleeding. 

We remained in the cliff all that day. That 
night we left (by aid I was able to walk) and 
traveled all night. The next morning we 
stopped in a patch of woods. There we stayed 
until dark. Again we set out and traveled all 
night, arriving at Camp Supply the next morn- 
ing. 

As I was being carried into the hospital I met 
Amous Chapman coming out. He was limping 



FIGHTS AND ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS 

a little, but said that he was going to return to 
Camp Reno with Johnston. He said, ''You have 
stayed with those scoundrels well." ''Well, 
Amous," I said, "you may be right, but they 
have almost got me this time." 

I was in the hospital about three months, and 
when I was able to get out the Indians had sur- 
rendered and were very peaceful. So I returned 
home for a rest and to enjoy the sweet blessing 
of civilization. 



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